Story of the Match

The fourth and final Salish Sea Derby didn’t fall Pacific FC’s way on Saturday afternoon as Vancouver FC came away 2-1 victors to split the season series in the Mainlanders’ inaugural season. After taking care of the first two matches between these two this season, Pacific has been unable to pick up a result in the other two – even while creating plenty of chances and playing positive football.

During Saturday’s encounter, it was Pacific who earned the first few chances through Steffen Yeates and Bradley Vliet. Both chances forced brilliant saves out of the goalkeeper – a theme that would come up again later on. It was ultimately Vancouver who took the lead in the 28th minute, before doubling up seven minutes later. The Tridents would continue to push for an opening goal themselves, but would head into halftime 2-0 down. The second half then belonged entirely to Pacific, who made three changes at the break to throw a different look at the visitors. Those changes paid off in the 53rd minute when substitute Easton Ongaro got on the end of Vliet’s free-kick to flick the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. That goal brought more life to the Tridents who would go onto create at least four clear-cut chances that were turned aside by an other-worldly goalkeeping display.

In the end, the bounces just wouldn’t fall Pacific’s way as Vancouver came out on top in the match, but the day itself was far from a failure for the Island’s club. The crowd on Orange Shirt Day was respectful and reflective during the pre-match minute of silence, before adding an extra layer of passion to proceedings once the match kicked off. With the noise the supporters can make at Starlight Stadium, all eyes are now on finishing the season strong next weekend and preparing for playoff soccer to come to the Island once again.

Looking Ahead

There’s now just one week of the regular season left before it’s playoff time. Part of the playoff picture is already sorted heading into the final weekend, but most spots in the table are still up for grabs.

The Tridents have already clinched a playoff spot and home playoff match, but the date and time of that game is still to be determined by how the table shakes out on the weekend. Pacific can finish anywhere from second to fourth, and currently sit third with one game to go.

That final fixture for the Tridents comes away to the Regular Season Champions Cavalry, who have nothing to play for mathematically, but will be hoisting the Canadian Premier League Shield after the match to celebrate their title so won’t want to drop points in front of their home crowd. It’ll be interesting to see how that match goes given the circumstances, but on the Tridents’ side of things it is still an absolutely crucial match in determining the team’s fate in the playoffs.

PFC Standout Player: Kekuta Manneh

Starting his seventh game in the last eight, Manneh looked lively on and off the ball and was a dangerous outlet in possession for the Tridents. The 28-year-old finished with the most chances created of anyone in the match against Vancouver (4), along with making 12 passes in the final third and completing four successful dribbles out of five.

With Manneh coming into form just as the playoffs approach, Pacific’s no. 34 could be the x-factor the squad needs over the next few weekends.

Scoring Summary

28’ – Vancouver FC – Gabriel Bitar

35’ – Vancouver FC – Vasco Fry

53’ – Pacific FC – Easton Ongaro

Statistics

Possession: PFC 54 % – VFC 46 %

Expected Goals: PFC 0.81 – VFC 0.43

Shots: PFC 17 – VFC 9

Shots on Target: PFC 7 – VFC 4

Saves: PFC 2 – VFC 6

Fouls: PFC 13 – VFC 15

Offsides: PFC 1 – VFC 1

Corners: PFC 9 – VFC 3

Cautions

26’ – Bradley Vliet – Yellow

34’ – Mikaël Cantave – Yellow

38’ – Djenairo Daniels – Yellow

54’ – Elliot Simmons – Yellow

65’ – Kekuta Manneh – Yellow